nuclear

Meaning

Adj

1. Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.
2. Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).
3. Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.
4. Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.
5. Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.
6. Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.
7. Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.

Noun

1. Nuclear power.
2. Nuclear weapon

Synonyms

atomic

nucleus

fiery

grassroots

hardcore

igneous

key

🔑

nucleic

radioactive

☢️

thermonuclear

of the kernel

atomic power

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ/

Etymology

Cognate with Latin: nucula

Cognate with Latin: nuculea

Cognate with Latin: nuculeāris

Cognate with Latin: mūsculus

In summary

From Latin nū̆cleus, a contraction of the adjective nuculeus, masculine of feminine nuculea (“pertaining to a small nut”) from nucula + adjectival suffix -eus, -ea, -eum. The Latin nucula + -āris adds up to nuculāris, a term that in English becomes nucular; the Latin nuculea + -āris, becomes Latin nuculeāris (“relative to what pertains to small nut”), later contracted into nuclear. By surface analysis, nucle(us) + -ar = nucle- + -ar. Compare muscle and Latin mūsculus; muscular and mūsculāris.

Sentences

It sits on along with the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station .